Hundreds mourn Anderson

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MOURNING: Josie Anderson is consoled during the funeral for her husband, Steve Anderson, at Calvary Chapel in La Habra on Tuesday January 22, 2008. Anderson, who served three terms as mayor for the City of La Habra, died of a heart attack Jan. 9.

LA HABRA – The late La Habra City Councilman Steve Anderson went out the way he would have wanted at Tuesday’s funeral service – lying in a cherry red casket while Rolling Stones songs wafted through the church.

More than 1,100 people, including friends and politicians, were present to mourn the death of Anderson, 55, in an overflow crowd at Calvary Chapel of La Habra.

Fourteen people – from fellow officials to friends and family – spoke about their memories of Anderson during the more-than-two-hour service. He died Jan.9 of a massive heart attack.

He was buried at Memory Gardens in Brea. A reception followed at La Habra Community Center.

Mourners told stories of Anderson’s love of family, the Rolling Stones and the outdoors as well as his service to La Habra and Orange County.

“Steve had an outrageous love for a band that stood the test of time – the Rolling Stones,” said Raul Luna, his brother-in-law, who also is the district director for Rep. Loretta Sanchez, D-Garden Grove.

Luna said the Rolling Stones’ symbol of lips and tongue were on his truck, dune buggy and motorhome. All also were painted in bright red.

The Rolling Stones’ songs “Wild Horses” and “Brown Sugar” were played at the beginning, “Get Off Of My Cloud” was played at the end.

Anderson also was known for saying, “Who loves you baby,” Luna and others said.

And when he really liked something, he would say, “Sweeeeeet!” he said.

But others also spoke of his service to La Habra and Orange County, especially his championing a refurbishment of La Bonita Park in La Habra and an underground water replenishment system for the county.

“As you look around our community you see the hallmarks of Steve around La Habra,” said Thomas G. Mauk, former city manager of La Habra and now chief executive officer of Orange County.

But he also was there for his family.

His niece, Allison Lewis, said that Anderson was always there with a hug to help her get through the day.

“Uncle Steve had an unconditional love for his family,” Lewis said.

Erika Lewis-Huntley, Anderson’s goddaughter, echoed those sentiments.

In addition to civic service, Anderson was noted for his love of the outdoors.

He used to go to the Colorado River many times, Luna said.

As a city councilman from 1992 until his death, he worked to make sure the La Habra Police Department was second to none, said Dennis Kies, its police chief.

“He always had a good sense of humor. There are some people you always want to be with. Every time Steve called and I had a chance to be with Steve you wanted to do it.”

State Sen. Dick Ackerman, R-Tustin

“First and foremost, he was a family man. His family came first and we were the most important part of his life. Steve was the very essence of compassion and humility.”

Allison Lewis, niece

“In 1991 either he or I would run for (La Habra) City Council. We had to draw straws to determine who would run. He got the short end of the stick.”

Mike Sprague started at the Whittier Daily News in April 1984. Since then, Sprague has covered every city in the Whittier Daily News circulation area, as well as political and water issues. Sprague received a bachelor's degree in communications and a master's degree in political science, both from Cal State Fullerton.